This Year in Calvinism - 2009

Every anti-Calvinist knows about Michael Servetus, but not many know about the Libertines who tried to have John Calvin killed. Here's a little history lesson, courtesy of Dr. James Galyon. (1/9)

Minister-turned-atheist John Loftus calls Calvinism "bulls--- ." (Yeah, I know. He's a class act.) That's quite a charge coming from someone whose own worldview does not allow for such things as right or wrong. But the real irony is that his concept of a universe sans Creator is doomed to naturalistic predeterminism. There is no way around it. In such a world even our "free-will" thoughts are nothing more than the result of chance chemical reactions and the random firing of neurons. So, human beings can't possibly be free to do what they want to do. We Calvinists at least allow for that. And yet Mr. Loftus thinks our belief system is the problem. That's just...well...you know. (2/6)

Eric Carpenter loves Calvinism because it is Trinity-centered. He notes, "The Calvinistic view of salvation emphasizes the involvement of all three members of the Trinity. It also emphasizes the cooperation of all three members: the Father elects those He sovereignly chooses, the Son pays for the sins of the elect, and the Spirit regenerates the hearts of the elect. All three members of the Trinity work together as One." (6/12)

Let me get this straight: Election is based on God's foreknowledge of who will respond to the gospel, but in order to respond to the gospel those people must first be given the grace necessary to do so? Then on what basis does God choose who receives this grace? If Arminians argue that everyone receives the same amount of grace, then salvation is ultimately up to man since it hinges on his decision. If, on the other hand, only certain individuals receive this grace (or receive greater amounts of it), then Arminians are right back to square one on the election issue. (8/7)

Once again we read of Calvinism's implication that God is the author of sin. What I don't understand is why the Arminian is off the hook. After all, did God not create Adam knowing full well that he would sin, condemning the rest of humanity to be born into that sin? Could not God, having bestowed upon man free will, have done a better job of making not sinning more appealing? The point being, no matter how you look at it, there must have been a greater purpose for allowing Adam to sin. (9/25)

When Calvinists speak of God saving those who die in infancy, is it just a matter of wanting to have our cake and eat it too? Calvinists maintain that all fallen, sinful human beings, even those with the capacity to understand, reject God. That's the concept of total depravity in a nutshell. Wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that the salvation of infants merely reinforces the fact that salvation is all of God? (11/6)

David angrily spouts, "Calvinists would have you believe that God blinds men's eyes to the gospel until He is content to give some faith to believe and withholds that same faith from others whom He wishes to damn! That is not the God of the Bible!" So I guess that means Paul lied when he said faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). (12/4)

5 comments:

Two things I dislike about pure Calvinist....they seem to be more in love with Calvinims than the Bible. The ESV some how is a superior translation. When truth be told it's really a niche bible for reformed belivers. It certainly doesn't have broad based appeal like the NIV ( an optimal equalivance translation) and the NLT ( a thought for thought translation). I don't discount the ESV, I own a copy and use it as a resource from time to time, while it is less wooden than the NASB it is rather archaic in many spots.

Also don't get me wrong I love reformers....two of my favorite teachers are Macarthur and Piper. I am just not so sold out where a Calvinist philosophy is the center of my faith rather than Christ. Not saying you are just really venting about the new calvinist movement. I myself am a Calvmenian. lol.

Great update(s) for the year 2009 in Calvinism. I agree with my brother that we must glorify God over Calvinism AND that the ESV is good, but I love my ESV Study Bible. But I am not thrilled with the ESV version, so while I like it, I have gone back to NKJV for my preaching Bible. In closing I love the truths of Calvinism, but don't like that it is named after a name, so for me I perfer to say I am REFORMED. A great site! Thanks! Rev. Jim (jim@goproclaim.com)

I find it disturbing, to say the least, that some Calvinist pastors (like John Macarthur) are asking change agents to enter their church ministries. Check out the evidence here: www.thewatchmanwakes.com